How to make your air conditioner last longer

By
Back in 2000, I purchased three window-type air conditioners. Since then, my neighbors have had to replace their air conditioners several times over, but mine are all still fine after nearly two decades of daily use. What’s the secret to their longevity? The answer: less cleaning. Whereas my neighbors have their air conditioners cleaned almost every month, mine get cleaned only annually. 

How do I get away with less cleaning? 

First, when I do clean my air conditioners, I don’t overdo it. Please refer to the section on cleaning tips below. 

Second, I place a high-performance add-on filter directly on the air conditioner’s evaporator. I make sure that the add-on filter is big enough to cover the entire face of the evaporator, leaving no portion directly exposed to the incoming air. 


Putting the high-performance add-on filter in direct contact with the evaporator ensures that all of the air entering the evaporator gets filtered, including the air that bypasses the built-in dust filter through various holes and gaps in the case. As a result, practically no dust gets into the evaporator. The evaporator stays unclogged and germ-free for a much longer time, which reduces the need for frequent cleaning.

An example of a high-performance add-on dust filter is 3M’s Filtrete. It has electrostatically charged fibers that attract dust and other airborne particles, including microbes. Its high cost is offset by the savings gained from (a) the fewer number of times you have to avail of aircon cleaning services, (b) the fewer number of times that you have to replace a broken air conditioner—a task that may require some masonry and/or carpentry work if the size of your new air conditioner does not match the existing hole in the wall, and (c) the health benefits gained from breathing clean, germ-free air.

How to get the best results

  1. Replace the high-performance add-on filter as recommended by the manufacturer. You may find that it must be replaced more frequently compared to a regular add-on filter. 
  2. Before installing a new add-on filter, spray the evaporator and air duct with a disinfectant such as Lysol.
  3. If ice forms on the evaporator, it means something (probably a dirty filter) is blocking  airflow. Replace the high-performance filter and clean the built-in filter.
  4. Clean the built-in filter periodically. 

Aircon cleaning tips 

Your air conditioner will still need regular (though less frequent) cleaning because its condenser and water pan will get clogged with dirt and other airborne matter. How often cleaning needs to be done depends on how dirty the air in your locality is. Whether you do the cleaning yourself or use a cleaning service:
  • Don’t overdo it. Excessive or aggressive cleaning can result in accelerated wear and tear on the air conditioner. My neighbors have their air conditioners washed by men who use strong chemicals and power washers to blast the grime away, but mine get cleaned with a relatively gentle stream of water from a garden hose. To be sure, a garden hose cannot blast away the dirt as well as a power washer can, but it does the job well enough and without causing damage. 
  • Before introducing water or solvent into the unit, cover the motor and all other electrical components and connectors with sheets of plastic or other waterproof material. After the cleaning is done, make sure that all such covers are removed.
  • When reassembling the unit, make sure that no tools, rags and other foreign objects are left inside the unit. Account for all screws and make sure that they are reinstalled properly.

Split-type aircons

I have never tried to put an add-on filter directly on the evaporator of a split-type air conditioner, so I am unable to state whether this technique is applicable to split-types. But the cleaning tips do apply to split-types.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to obtain your first Professional Tax Receipt (PTR) in the Philippines

By
Image
I would like to share how I obtained my first Professional Tax Receipt (PTR) at the Manila City Hall. I suppose that the procedure and requirements are similar in various jurisdictions in the Philippines. As a first-timer, I needed to prove that I passed the professional licensing exam. So, I brought with me a hardcopy of an email from the company where I was affiliated with which attested that I had passed the licensure exam. I also prepared some money to pay the tax, which amounted to Php 300. Then I went to the Manila City Hall, where I was directed to the Licensing Division on the Ground Floor. There, the staff inspected the email message. Satisfied that everything was in order, he prepared a small slip of paper called "Order of Payment" and instructed me to take it to "Window D" of the Taxpayers' Lounge located on the Ground Floor. At Window D, I paid the tax and was issued an official receipt. The official receipt indicates my profession and the amo
Read more

How I added streaming to my audio system: My experience with the Arylic A50 streaming amplifier

By
Image
  This bird’s-eye view on the Arylic A50 streaming amplifier is for audio enthusiasts who may be in one or more of the following situations: -           Looking for an audio streaming solution -           Needing a small (40- to 50-watt per channel) high-fidelity stereo amplifier for their loudspeakers -           Planning for a multi-zone (multi-room) audio system installation -           Have a tight budget (less than US$200)     -           Are curious about the A50 or about anything related to audio  Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I received compensation from Arylic by way of a partial refund on the purchase price of their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I truly believe in. What I needed The last time I upgraded my audio system was ten years ago, when I purchased a pair of Paradigm Mini Monitor v.6 speakers and a NAD C 356BEE 80-watt per channel stereo integrated amplifier. A 120-watt Dynaquest DQ-120 subwoofer (purchased in 2002
Read more

How to transfer the ownership of a privately owned vehicle in the Philippines

By
Image
Transferring the ownership of a motor vehicle was a frustrating experience for me. This was because I was not thoroughly familiar with the requirements and the process. I would like to share how I should have done it so that other first-timers will have a more streamlined and pleasant experience. The procedure described below applies to the case where a privately owned motor vehicle is sold by its owner to a buyer. If your case is different, please look for the applicable procedure on web site of the Land Transportation Office: http://www.lto.gov.ph/motor-vehicle-registration/307-transactions-requiring-change-of-certificate-of-registration.html If the seller has just completed all of his mortgage payments, the car needs to be released from its chattel mortgage before it can be sold. Please read this article: What to Do Next After Paying Off Your Car Loan . Let’s begin with some preliminary notes: a) The seller should take the lead in this process. He should see to it that
Read more